Article Detail
23 Oct
Spoon Carving Kit
If you’ve got someone crafty on your list, this low-commitment, beginner-friendly project (you can finish it in one afternoon), will hit the spot. Everything you need is included, from the hardwood base of your choice—the options are bass, poplar, cherry, and walnut—to the traditional Japanese tools, to the (hopefully unnecessary) Band-Aid. Whether it sparks a newly found passion for wood carving (in which case California residents may want to check out the designer’s ongoing workshops) or just provides a few hours of creative fun, anyone with an eye for craftsmanship will appreciate this unique and thoughtful gift.
Metallic Wine Bag
A nice bottle of her favorite vintage is a go-to, if expected, gift for hostesses and wine-loving friends alike. Forego the in-store foil wrapping this year and kick your gift-giving prowess up a notch or two by packaging her favorite bottle in a gorgeous, reusable bag handmade in Tuscany. Crafted from a specialty paper that can get wet without being damaged, these wine carriers look and feel like leather, but are easily hand-washable, so she’ll be able to use—and reuse—it over and over again. Available in four different colors, but the metallic silver and gold feel especially festive.
Egg Cream Mask
Innovative Korean beauty products are having a big moment, partially because they utilize the latest technology, and partially because the packaging is so darn fun. This particular mask uses natural extracts like camu camu—which is rich in vitamin C—to brighten skin’s appearance and egg extract to hydrate and nourish dry skin. Super easy to use: All she has to do is remove one from the packaging, smooth the microfiber cloth over her face (there are strategically placed cut-outs for eyes, nose, and mouth), and use it as an excuse to relax for 20 minutes—in the name of skin health, of course. Tuck these in your best friend’s stocking or wrap them up for a Sephora-obsessed teen as an in-home spa treat.
Copper Phone
Sometimes the perfect accessory isn’t a necklace, a scarf, or even a pair of statement earrings. Help her dress up her desk, her kitchen, or her dorm room in old school glamour with this copper phone. The gleaming metallic shine works surprisingly well with nearly any décor, from modern minimalism to a carefully recreated retro 1960’s vibe. Fully functional (including a few mod upgrades like a 911 emergency button and a redial key) and land line ready, this phone’s rotary style face maintains it’s vintage visual appeal, but has been upgraded to a more convenient push-button functionality.
Activity Tracker
For the woman who doesn’t miss a beat, but wouldn’t be caught running on a treadmill (let alone to the store) wearing a bulky, unattractive activity tracker, Michael Kors has a sleek alternative for her. The “Access Crosby,” with its rose gold case, mother-of-pearl face, and adjustable leather strap, tracks how many steps she takes, how many calories she burns, and how far she’s traveled using LED notifications. To give her another edge that would make even James Bond envious, the tracker allows her to take photos and ring her phone, all from her wrist. And because the battery doesn’t require a charger (the replaceable battery lasts up to four months), she can move stylishly through life with one less thing to think about.
Gold Flask
Guarantee her a holiday full of cheer—and cheers. This ladylike flask holds up to 3 ounces of the good stuff (if you want to be a really good friend, we suggest filling it with her tipple of choice before wrapping it up). The sleek oval shape and polished gold sheen make it feel festive and somehow, well, appropriate, even (or maybe especially) at family gatherings. On a slightly technical note, it’s worth mentioning that this canteen is crafted from stainless steel (electro plated on the outside to create that gorgeous metallic finish), so it won’t corrode or taint whatever you choose to fill it with.
Hair Fragrance
Basically synonymous with luxury, beloved Italian fashion and fragrance brand Tocca (that’s Italian for “touch”) has released a few of its most coveted signature scents in hair fragrance form. These lightweight mists deliver a serious dose of her favorite scent (without being overpowering), with the added bonuses of lasting longer than traditional perfume and freshening locks that may have picked up unwanted odors from the gym or a smoky room. Made with a lower alcohol content than traditional perfumes, they won’t dry out your strands either. This pick, Florence, is a gentle floral blend of bergamot and violet.
Lipstick Palette
If one is good, then twelve is way, way better. This limited edition lipstick palette from the cult-favorite makeup brand Urban Decay is filled with a dozen different hues to suit every mood (and skin tone), in six different finishes, ranging from high gloss to matte. An ideal gift for the beauty junkie, this travel-sized palette will let her try out tons of new shades—she can even layer and mix, so the options are essentially endless. A protective cover flips closed between the makeup wells and the mirror, so the compact will stay mess-free while stashed in a bag, while an included retractable lipstick brush makes for easy touch-ups on the go.
Yoga by Numbers Yoga Mat
Ease a teen, fitness-resistant best pal, or you mother-in-law into the low-impact, beneficial practice of yoga with this teaching mat. Accompanied by an app that features yoga classes in a range of styles (they’re also available on YouTube), this numbered mat guides beginners through each movement by helping them figure out where to place hands and feet for each position, in the privacy of their own home, at their own pace, and 100 percent free of judgment. Even pros will appreciate the mat’s size (it’s 72 inches long and 30 inches wide—that’s about 25 percent larger than standard mats), which allows for a greater range of movement.
Master Palette by Mario
This collaboration between top makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, and cult-favorite brow line Anastasia Beverly Hills is essentially the Holy Grail for the beauty-obsessed. Filled with a dozen richly pigmented earth tones for shading, shadowing, contouring, and highlighting, the entire palette was designed to work universally, on any skin tone. And talk about versatile—despite delivering great color, each shade is also slightly sheer, so she can mix, match, layer, and custom build the color she wants (or use them directly out of the set). Each hue can also be used wet or dry to achieve different finishes.
3 Piece Rose Gold Love Story Gift Set
She doesn’t have to be obsessed with cosmetics to appreciate the simple, practical beauty of these tools. This gift set comes from the most trusted brow brand out there—Tweezerman—and contains two essentials: hand filed, precision tip tweezers and the company’s award winning eyelash curler, both made from long-lasting stainless steel in a gorgeous shade of rose gold. The trendy teen on your list will adore the color (currently the hottest hue for everything from home décor, to jewelry, to eye shadow), and even your makeup-averse sister will love the upgrade to her basic beauty cabinet implements.
Dolly Darling Holiday Set
There’s always one on the list every year—the in-the-know best friend who already has it all, that oddball aunt, the off-beat college pal—that person that’s just impossible to shop for. This year, there’s a solution. Beloved by nearly everyone for creating beauty basics (think mascara, primer, etc) that work better than most others on the market, Benefit is releasing a few of it’s best products in a gift set, with delightfully quirky packaging to boot. The set includes their Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara, POREfessional Face Primer, Hoola Bronzer, and Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel, all wrapped up in a box that will bring a smile to her face (and at a price that will bring one to yours).
Jeweled Cat-Eye Sunglasses
If actual diamonds are way out of budget, go for the next best thing. These bejeweled, oversized cat-eye sunglasses, from the up-and-coming Los Angeles-based brand Perverse, come in four shimmering hues (pink, clear, purple, and black) that will really make her eyes sparkle. Whether she pairs them with a little black dress, or with her favorite jeans and T-shirt combo, they’ll instantly elevate any outfit. They’re crafted from a sturdy polycarbonate and partially handmade, so no two are exactly alike. Bonus? You can feel good about giving this gift: Perverse donates a percentage of the company’s sales, time, and inventory to charitable causes.
Winter White Large Radiant Metal Candle
A wonderful mash-up of art deco packaging and a woodsy aroma ensures that this fragrant candle will earn a permanent spot on her vanity. The delicious soy blend of winter cypress, pink peppercorn, cardamom, and citrus sits in an asymmetrical wide-mouthed metal jar (the bowl measures 5 inches wide and almost 4 inches tall) that makes relighting easy. Each candle burns for up to 30 hours. Another reason this may be a gift that keeps giving: She can reuse the bowl as a stand-alone accent piece on a bookshelf or as a catchall for keys and coins on a table in the foyer.
Beautiful Lady Two-in-One Travel Bag
Whether she’s the jet-setting type who’s always on the go, the athletic type who always makes time for the gym, or just someone who needs everything neatly organized, this travel cosmetic set will become a favorite. Smaller tools and products, like cotton swabs and tweezers, stay secure in the smaller pouch, while the bigger bag is an ideal size for larger brushes and palettes. In case of spills, the clear PVC sides clean easily with just a damp cloth, and there’s no need to worry about separation anxiety—color-coordinated Velcro holds the two pouches securely together.
Glass Water Bottle
She will stay hydrated and healthy all day long with this environmentally friendly (BPA-free, phthalate-free) and dishwasher safe glass water bottle. Its soft, silicone exterior makes it easy to grip, even after a sweaty workout, and the top handle offers another way to tote the bottle around town. Its compact size (7 inches high and 3 inches in diameter) won’t take up a lot of space, and it’s small spout means she won’t have to worry about spills. With 19 different colors to choose from, sipping on the go can be a vibrant activity. What else makes this a thirst-quenching deal? Free shipping and free returns.
Should I Check Email Right Now? Art Print
Know someone with serious procrastination issues? Or maybe someone who’s a little too plugged in? This cute flowchart illustrates a daily dilemma we’re all familiar with. Whether she’s the #girlboss at home, the head honcho at her job, or powering through her finals at school, this frame worthy art print from illustrator Becky Simpson serves as helpful reminder, restraint exercise, and cute desk décor, all at the same time. Available in black on either white or blue paper, the eight-by-ten-inch size feels just right for any workspace, be it a dorm room, a corner office, or an artist’s studio.
Rainbow Catch-All Tray
An eye-catching tray in a literal rainbow of hues for the artfully organized woman in your life. Whether she places it on her desk to hold pens and business cards, on her dresser to ensure earrings remain safely in pairs and tiny delicate rings don’t go missing, or on a table in the entryway to create a landing spot for keys, mail, loose change, and everything else, this pretty, iridescent tray is an eye-catching way to keep everything in it’s place. It’s made from sturdy stainless steel, so it will stand up to everyday wear and tear.
Fictions Eau De Parfum
Whether your best friend is well known for her bibliophile tendencies or your mother is notorious for her highly developed sense of smell, either woman will fall for the sweet packaging (and equally sweet scents) from this fragrance collection. Developed by artists from around the world (Istanbul, Sydney, Los Angeles, London, and Paris), each perfume captures a different facet of the complicated experience of falling in love. Pick the one that suits her best, whether you base it on her favorite city, fragrance—they range from fresh to floral to spicy—or the title that most closely describes her personal love story.
Ravid Drop Earrings
Help your favorite fashionista tackle the biggest (and we mean biggest) jewelry trend of the season—the statement earring—in style. This particular pair is crafted from pink metallic sequins and sparingly used (but extra sparkly) rhinestone gems, for maximum impact with minimum weight (she—and her earlobes—will be forever grateful). Not just for formal occasions, although they are certainly in their element there, these lightweight sparklers go a long way to dress up simple ensembles, like jeans and a tee or a solid blouse and a black blazer. The baubles may look (and feel) like high-end designer pieces, but they ring in at a wallet-friendly price you’ll love as much as she will.
DIY Dye Kit
The phrase “just add water” has never yielded such chic results. Dubbed the “magic jar” for a reason, this all-in-one kit contains not only the dyes and supplies you need for this project (don’t worry, they’re all non-toxic), but also the gorgeous silk crepe de chine scarf she’ll use to create her own one of a kind fashion find. It couldn’t be easier: Simply add water to the handmade glass jar (and, yes, it’s reusable for future art projects or storage needs), give the dyes one hour to do their thing, and—voila!—a unique, wearable masterpiece.
Crossbody Bag
Give a lady on the move something worthy of her style with a go-to accessory that defies the status quo. If she’s ever said gray is the new black, then show you’ve paid attention with this pebbled faux-leather, crossbody bag. Unbelievably simple and versatile, the sleek gold chain and gold turn lock closure will help her make whatever fashion statement she wants. Measuring approximately 8 inches wide, 7 inches high, and 2.5 inches deep, it’s roomy enough—not to mention attractive enough—to carry her most important necessities (think a phone, wallet, and keys) all day long, from the morning client meeting to happy hour and beyond.
Compact Mirror + USB Battery Pack
One of those frustratingly obvious why-didn’t-I-think-of-that moments is easy to get over when you realize this is the answer to just about every gifting conundrum. From your boss to your son’s girlfriend, every woman will want this ingenious little gadget stashed in her bag. One part lifesaver for the tech-obsessed, one part indispensible beauty tool, the built-in battery pack charges any device with a USB port (including iPhones, iPads, and Androids), while the flip-top compact uses the same power source to illuminate the mirror. She’ll wonder what she ever did without it. Available in five colors.
Jet Set Candle
If a full-on getaway doesn’t quite suit your holiday budget (we couldn’t swing that either!), the next best thing might just be one of these candles. Each one is created with subtle scents meant to evoke the fragrances of a different destination. Think of it as a mental vacation to an exotic location. Though available in nine scents (or should we say, locales), Big Sur is a particular standout for its surprisingly holiday-appropriate smell (you’ll get notes of cedar wood, vetiver, musk, and bergamot). If she prefers a tropical vacation, tailor this gift to her style and pick Acapulco or Waikiki.
Lauren Beanie by Lizette
Baby, it’s cold outside. Keep her warm on a blustery, snowy winter afternoon with this seriously soft and oh-so-adorable beanie. It’s as on-trend (hello, matching pom-pom topper!) as it practical. Plus, it’s stretchy enough to comfortably fit most crowns (whether her head skews small, large, or somewhere in between). She’ll wear it on her way to work, on the ski slopes, or while running errands on the weekends. Because the beanie is available in three neutral colors (cream tweed, light grey, and black tweed) that complement most outerwear, don’t be surprised if this knitted topper becomes her winter go-to year after year.
Warmest Throw
Help her dress up the sofa, the bed, or her chilly shoulders with this warm acrylic throw. Featuring an arrow jacquard print and fun white tassels, it’s large enough (44 inches in length and 56 inches in width!) to wrap fully around her body and ward off any chill. With a choice of five different colors (cordovan, black, citrus yellow, royal blue, soot), you can even have the throw personalized with her monogram or name for an extra $10. But don’t forget to double-check your spelling—returns will not be accepted if the item has been monogrammed or personalized.
Ebru Marble Ceramic Serving Board
Why give her any old serving board when she can get one that matches that marble counter top she finally had installed? Made of ceramic and inspired by traditional Turkish paper marbling, this board, which is a blend of natural clays and made by local artists from Istanbul, is as strong as it is stunning. Because the board is true marble (no paint here!), each piece is one-of-a-kind and may feature irregularities in color or pattern. Choose from blue, stone, or light blue—and order early: The item ships about eight weeks after an order is placed.
White Minimalist Lavender Sachets
Filled with 100 percent organic dried lavender buds, these three-by-five-inch polka dot treasures are a visual and olfactory delight. As a set of two, she’ll be able to put one in her lingerie drawer to keep underpinnings fresh, and one under her pillow for some much needed relaxation (lavender is said to be a natural sleep aid). Pro tip: Give each sachet a squeeze every once in a while, to ensure the scent stays strong. Perfect for the woman who recently moved into a new home—or the lady who can’t stand to see anything out of place.
Chic Charger
A subtly sophisticated iPhone accessory in some of the trendiest shades out there is the ideal gift for the stylesetter who doesn’t go for plain anything. Available in braided white leather with a rose gold top, sassy gray snakeskin with a black top, and even black mesh with a chrome top, there’s a style for every day of the week. Each charger, complete with a three-foot cable, comes with both a USB port and an Apple-certified lightning pin connector, to keep all of your favorite devices powered up on the go. Compatible with iPhone 6 Plus/6/5S/5C/5, iPad/Air/Mini, and iPod.
Wood-Topped Candy Jar
For the friend who favors neutrals and natural materials, a gorgeous four-inch glass vessel she’ll hold onto forever. The glass bowl features a solid Bubinga wood top and base. Reminiscent of a more upscale gumball machine (though the seller does, in fact, offer a fully functional wooden gumball machine too!), this practical object serves to welcome guests with sweets on an entryway table. (It fits approximately 16 ounces of goodies with the lid on.) The one-of-a-kind container also looks impressive when filled with peanuts and placed atop a bar. Though handmade, it’s ready to ship in as little as three days.
22k Gold Soy Candle
What might first catch your eye when it comes to these candles is the gorgeous gold art deco-inspired packaging—each one is adorned with a different (but equally appealing) design. For the minimalist, choose a more understated jar that features just a small logo and the name of the scent. In both versions, the wood wick within these soy candles makes a soothing crackle as it burns (for up to 72 hours!). Each vessel has a second life as a 12-ounce rocks glass once the wax has been used up, too. In six heady fragrances, like guava fig, oakmoss and leather, and coconut shea.